Ellen Emry Heltzel writes: A pearl of anecdotal history, "The Great Silence" is a satisfying companion to major studies of World War I and its aftermath. Its psychological profile of a country in mourning is imperfect and patchwork.

Yet, as Nicolson proceeds through the familiar stages of grief — denial, anger and acceptance — she gives you a deeper understanding of not only this brief period, but also how war's sacrifices don't end after the fighting stops.